The not-so-well-kept secret is out. Three-time NBA All-Star forward/center Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings made a “transformative investment” to both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. While the exact amount isn’t disclosed, it is the largest ever made by a former player.
With Sabonis taking part in a golf clinic put on by Bank of America for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Spokane yesterday, that confirmed that the Gonzaga Bulldogs legend was the mysterious donor.
The ceremony for the newly named Sabonis Family Strength & Conditioning Center next to the Steve Hertz Basketball Practice Facility inside the Volkar Center was quite heart-warming to watch with the Gonzaga coaching staff and a solid chunk of the upcoming team present.
He had a one-on-one moment with current redshirt senior forward Braden Huff, as the two suffered similar knee injuries this past season. Even the great Kevin Pangos, who was a senior point guard with a freshman Sabonis during the 2014-15 campaign, showed up.
Sabonis spoke to the intimate crowd that included his wife, Shashana Rosen, and three children, Tiger, Eleven Rose, and Tauras Levi. Coach Mark Few said a few words about the Lithuanian’s impact on the city of Spokane, Washington, and the university as well.